After handing the tablet back to Bekka, Gerald congratulated her on a job done well. “I must say, it looks nearly as professional as what the professional production companies put out.”
Bekka hugged the device to her chest. Did he really mean that?
“Dude, we gotta get back up there. I’m going to spread the word for sure. Let me talk to the boys about it, and I’ll give you a call this week.” He stood and pushed his chair to the table. “Are you heading home soon? Sure would like another jam with you, if you’re up to it.”
Stephen glanced at Bekka. She couldn’t get over what Gerald said and nodded dumbly in response to his unspoken question. Stephen answered for them. “Sure. We’ll stay for one more set.”
They fist bumped one more time and Gerald said he’d call him up for the last two songs. Leaning closer he asked Stephen in a voice Bekka could hear, “Should I play Don’t Want to Miss a Thing this time for you?” He winked while grinning at her.
What was that about? Bekka’s gaze narrowed on the men.
Stephen stammered a moment then pushed Gerald away with a shake of his head. “Whatever, dude.”
Then she got it. Stephen must have requested that slow dance song. And she found that she didn’t mind at all. “That’s one of my favorites, you know?”
“Yeah, I know.”
Chapter Fourteen
Stephen woke up the next morning to the text message chime playing on his cell. “Dang you Ethan! It’s too early!” He checked the time to find it was a seven-thirty, and the number on the display wasn’t his friend’s.
He swiped his thumb across the screen while rubbing his blurry eyes with the ball of his other hand.
Pick you up at 8:30?
The memory of Ray from the worship team catching him after service flooded his foggy brain. Ray’s fishing partner was the piano player that Stephen was subbing for. He’d invited Stephen to join him in his friend’s stead. At the time, Stephen’s mind was so focused on how he’d tell Ethan he was taking his sister on a road trip, he’d agreed without really thinking about it.
He sat up on the edge of the bed and felt along the nightstand, then remembered he’d given up smoking a week ago. Had it only been a week? Felt like two months.
Fishing? Had he seriously agreed to go…fishing?
He blinked against the bright sunlight shining in through the window and across his bare feet. Did he even enjoy fishing? Maybe when he was a kid… no, he wouldn’t let his mind drift back that far.
Seemed rude to bow out now. He typed in: Sure. Where should I meet u?
Ray was a nice guy, but this was just weird. Stephen fell back onto the mattress. This must be some strange dream. Stephen Gaines did not fish.
Another message beeped. I’ll pick you up at Ethan’s. I have enough gear for both of us. See u soon.
Evidently, today Stephen Gaines was going fishing. He sighed and pushed himself off the bed. What did he have to lose? Bekka said she planned to work on the video as soon as she got up. There was nothing he could do at the moment to help her with that. He had no idea what Ethan was doing today. By the time they returned last night, everyone was already asleep. He’d even found Ethan in his own room, much to his surprise.
The sound of an engine rumbling drew him to the window. In the distance, a cloud of dirt rose into the air from the riding mower. Must be yard day. Oh, yeah, he definitely should make himself scarce. Washing dishes was one thing. Riding a mowing tractor across too many acres to count was way out of his comfort zone. He’d take worms over that anytime.
Well, if he couldn’t have a smoke, he would need to get some breakfast and coffee down him first. He jumped into the shower, hoping Ethan wouldn’t be mad over that video Bekka sent him last night.
He’d not wanted to tell him about the deal he’d made with Gerald yet. Stephen knew well enough that E-man did better when he didn’t have time to think something to death before it actually happened.
Stephen dressed in his oldest, yet, cleanest jeans and a pale green Henley pullover. He’d wear his work boots instead of his favorite loafers. Once dressed, he headed downstairs, surprised to find the scent of coffee filling the room. Oh, bless whoever set the pot to brew. He found a basket of Haley’s grain and fruit muffins on the counter with a note.
Thank you so much for last night. I had such a blast. And Gerald’s approval has sent me over the top. I promised to help Haley with a few things today. And I plan to get that video done. Can you make time later to come check out the final product and give your thoughts? Your suggestions were right on the mark, and I appreciate your help. Thanks again. Hope you enjoy the muffins. Beks.
He could kiss her, but not yet. Soon. Hopefully. But not until he’d earned her trust and confidence again. After pouring a cup of coffee and grabbing a still warm confection, he walked outside onto the deck.
Ethan stood beside the old trailer covered in pink flamingo decals. He swiped the weed-eater side-to-side along the edge of the deck. The small engine cut off and he set the weed-eater against the railing. When the door banged closed, Ethan turned, his gaze darkening a moment before he faced the field again where the tractor mower made another pass. He must have gotten Nick Prater to run the mower for him.
“I wondered if you would sleep all day, Gaines.” He wrapped up the cord and hooked it over the handle.
Wally sat beside Ethan, a slobbery ball at his feet as he stared up at his owner expectantly.
“My phone woke me. Otherwise, I might have.” Stephen set his breakfast on the deck table, then patted his leg to get the dog’s attention. Wally wasn’t picky about who threw the ball, so long as somebody did the deed. “You didn’t tell me today was going to be yard care day.” Would he have volunteered to help? Probably not, if he was honest. But if asked, he wouldn’t have said no.
Wally grabbed his ball and trotted over tail wagging. Stephen wrestled the wet ball from the dog’s mouth and threw it away from the mower.
“You were gone all day yesterday. Never had a chance to mention it.” Ethan folded his arms across his chest, his gaze locked on the boy and machine making a wide circle around the property.
Uh oh, Stephen didn’t like that tone. Nothing had stopped him from making a call or sending a text. “Well, if you need help, I’ll cancel my plans.” He pulled his phone from his pocket, ready to text Ray, though he hated to and hoped Ethan wouldn’t call his bluff.
“Nope. I’m good.” Ethan slowly turned to face him. “Have you decided when you’re going back to New York?”
What was this sullen mood about? Did he have an argument with Haley? Maybe that’s why he didn’t sneak out last night?
Stephen blew out a long breath. Wally returned with the ball and dropped it between his feet. He threw it again. “Would you be opposed to me staying here a while longer? I’m thinking you were right about playing in the orchestra.”
“Stay here and do what?” He took a step closer, his hands dropping to his sides and forming into a fist.
What was this hostility about? Was he still fuming about this weekend? Yesterday he’d seemed as if everything was fine. At least until they parted ways after church.
Stephen balked. He’d made it to music practice and fulfilled his promises to play at the restaurant and at church. Ethan had no reason to be annoyed. Stephen broke the muffin top off but couldn’t get himself to take a bite. His stomach twisted wondering if he needed to drop this for now. “Maybe we should talk later.”
“No. Now. Why do you want to stay?”
“I’d like to stay and help you.” He gestured toward the barn. “With this. I still have some great connections.” Maybe he did need to tell him about Gerald. He dropped the muffin on the napkin, no longer hungry.
“Is that the only reason?” Ethan’s voice ground in a way that sent shivers up Stephen’s back. “I heard Bekka is thinking of staying, too.”
Stephen needed to answer very carefully. He didn’t want to get into another fight with his friend. Ethan must be more u
pset over his taking Bekka on that road trip than he first thought. “You need her. She should stay, though she’s not made a decision either way.”
“Don’t play with me, Gaines!” Ethan came at him, shoving him back against the glass wall.
He grabbed Ethan’s t-shirt at the shoulders and gently pushed him back. “What’s eating you, Winters? We’ve always been a team. I know I can help you, too.”
“Think so, huh.” He banged Stephen against the wall again. “I’m not stupid. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt. Tried to trust that you’d keep your word to me. But I see how you’ve been with Bekka the past couple of weeks. And this morning, I noticed a big change in how she talked about you. What happened yesterday?”
Stephen placed his hands over Ethan’s and worked hard to keep his voice even and his own temper in check. “We drove up to Traverse City. Bekka sent you a video, right? Did you watch it? I met with Gerald from the Sun Scorpions. We talked for a bit. Caught up with each other. He asked me to play a couple of songs with them, so I did.”
“And why did you need Bekka there with you?” Ethan dug, his fist clenching tighter.
Ugh, he wasn’t ready to tell him the whole story yet but wasn’t seeing a way around it. “She showed G-ster the video. And I talked to him about recording with you.”
As Stephen expected, Ethan’s face drained of color. “Without asking me, first? I’m not— I can’t possibly— I’m still trying to figure out how the equipment works! Gaines, what were you thinking?”
“I don’t think you can be any more ready, man. Bekka’s video is top-notch. Your song is fantastic. All we need to do is have you record a few cover songs and begin putting them out there. Bundle them into an album with a couple more videos, and you’re set.”
“But, that’s for me. I’m not ready to— it’s different doing this stuff for others.”
Stephen shook his head. “No, it’s not. They’ll be on this journey with you. Me too, if you’ll let me.”
One of Ethan’s hands released his shirt front to swipe his bangs off his face. “I don’t have enough funding yet.”
“Then—”
“No.” The anger returned. “Not if it means you think that gives you free rein to go after Bekka. She’s not your type of girl.”
Stephen had enough. He shoved Ethan back. His friend stumbled a few steps before regaining his balance. The furious glare stopped Stephen from throwing a punch. This wasn’t how to convince E-man that he’d changed.
“Enough!” Stephen held up his hands. Good thing because Ethan’s hand was fisted and ready to strike back. “Listen. This isn’t your call, buddy. I don’t interfere with your love life. I haven’t even judged you about sneaking over to see your girlfriend in the middle of the night, have I?”
Before Ethan could answer, he went on. “Nope. Not my business. You’re a big boy. And your sister is a grown woman. You need to let her make her own choices now.”
Ethan stepped forward. Stephen did as well, meeting his friend eye-to-eye. Man, this was so not the way he wanted to discuss this.
Jabbing his finger into Stephen’s chest, Ethan spat, “She’s my family so that makes her my business. And for your information—”
A horn beeped interrupting Ethan’s comeback. They both turned to see Ray’s black Ram pickup pull into the drive beside the barn.
“What’s Ray doing here?” Ethan backed up a couple of steps.
“Asked me to go fishing with him. He’s here to pick me up.” Stephen smoothed down the wrinkles in his shirt. Just in time, too. E-man needed a chance to cool down, and Stephen certainly needed to clear his own head. He didn’t want to fight with his best friend. But he’d given Ethan no reason to trust him, yet either. What he needed was more time.
“Hey,” Ray gave a wave as he walked up onto the deck. “Wow, this has come a long way since I was here helping you set in the glass wall. It’s looking great. When will you get started on the lodge?” He shook Ethan’s hand, then reached for Stephen’s.
Ethan folded his arms across his chest. “My parents will be here sometime next week. Dad is taking charge of the lodge. I’m trying to get the grass cleared away for when the construction crew arrives. Now that the weather seems ready to cooperate.”
Ray turned in a circle, admiring the spread of fields surrounding them. “Can’t wait to see it come together. Let me know if you need a hand with anything. I’m handy with a hammer, too.”
“Appreciate that.” Ethan’s scowl smoothed into a plastic smile.
Stephen figured this might be a good time to leave while his friend was distracted by other thoughts besides his growing affection for Bekka. He wasn’t ready to talk about that yet, either.
Ray motioned toward his truck. “I have enough poles if you’re interested in coming along with us. We’re just going to the pier to fish for a couple of hours. It’s how I like to relax on my days off. Care to join us?”
Ethan shook his head. “No, but thank you. I have too much going on here.” His gaze narrowed on Stephen again. “You enjoy yourself, though. Talk to you later, Gaines.” As Ethan headed inside the building, his shoulder bumped Stephen’s none-too-gently.
“Sure thing,” he shot back. Of course, this was far from over. He turned to Ray and clapped his hands together. “I haven’t fished in years. Looking forward to this. Appreciate you thinking of me.”
Ray led him to the truck. “My pleasure. I’ve been looking for an excuse to speak with you since I realized you were the one taking over Jim’s spot on the piano. I can’t shake this feeling I’ve had, since sitting with you the other night at Mallory’s, that my happening on you and her was no accident.”
Stephen’s hand froze on the passenger door. Great, this was nothing more than another excuse for someone else to meddle in his business. Well, he couldn’t get out of it now. Best to make the most of the day. At least, it put a little distance between him and Ethan for a few hours while he worked out exactly how to explain his intentions with Bekka. Didn’t seem right to tell her brother before he had a chance to share his heart with her.
But when did his life ever go the way he wanted it to?
Chapter Fifteen
Stephen leaned back in the folding lawn chair and let the cool lake air, wash over him. The pier was practically void of other people except for a couple of older gentlemen seated closer to the shore.
Now that he was there, he found the spot calming and refreshing. He needed this. A chance to just chill. Ray had all the gear required. They set up two poles and waited for a bite. Yet neither cared if they came or not.
“I love this place.” Ray sighed, crossing his legs at the ankles. He wore a hunting vest over his long sleeved shirt and a Red Wings cap to shade his face. “Just me, the water, and God.”
Hoping to avoid having to talk about himself… or God, Stephen’s game plan was to keep Ray busy talking about his own life. So when the casual conversation lagged, and he felt Ray getting ready to pry, Stephen asked, “You sure can play a mean guitar, dude. Really. How did you end up being a paramedic?”
That should get him a good five or ten minutes, at least.
Ray adjusted his cap and leaned forward in his chair, elbows on his knees. “Well, it’s a long story. Sure you’re up for it?”
Stephen smiled. “Absolutely.” Perfect. He could just sit and pretend to listen. Around noon, he would make an excuse about needing to get back and help Ethan. Though, he figured Ethan was hoping he’d not return anytime soon. Still, there were other things to do.
“Well,” Ray lifted his cap and scratched at his buzzed crop of black hair. “I did play in a band back in high school. We were pretty good and after graduation, we hit the road. Did a lot of partying, some playing, but more partying.”
Stephen chuckled and nodded his head. Yeah, he remembered how it was. But he and Ethan had gone the college route and played gigs on the weekends between the partying and girls.
“My girlfriend was also in the b
and. She came along with us. We were heading down to Chicago for a gig. Most of us drinking along the way.” He stopped, his gaze locked on the deep blue waters surrounding the pier.
Stephen, who was actually listening despite his plan to check out, turned to look at Ray when he grew quiet. The pause lasted for over a minute. The man stared out across the water but didn’t seem to be really seeing it.
Ray glanced over at him and offered a weak smile. “Guess you suspect where this is going. I was driving the lead car. A motorcycle cut over in front of us. I was too wasted to react quickly enough. I yanked the wheel, and we flipped down an embankment. A fire erupted. Jim, the drummer riding along, wasn’t a drinker. He managed to pull me out. It was too late for Cindy. She wasn’t wearing her seatbelt.” He grew quiet again.
Stephen’s heart ached for the man. Never know what’s buried inside a person until you’ve had a chance to hear their story. He blew out a long breath. Here he’d thought Ray had it all together. “Man, I’m so sorry.”
“Me too. We men are supposed to protect our ladies, right? That’s what I’d always been taught. The fact that I’d put her, and the others, at such a risk was more than I was able to bear at the time. I went into a major depression. I’d suffered a broken leg, and my arm was busted in two places. I returned here to go through rehab. My parents took me back in. I’d thought my guitar playing days were over. But worse was the guilt and anger over what I’d done.”
One of the poles jerked. Ray stood to check it. “Get the net! We have our first bite.” He started to reel in the line. Stephen grabbed the blue net and leaned over the edge of the pier. Soon a silvery body flashed near the surface.
“Almost there.” Stephen stretched his arm far as he could. “A little more! See if you can angle him this way.” After several tries, he managed to snag the nearly fourteen-inch fish into the net. “Got it. Nice one. A coho, from the looks of it.”
Ray leaned over the edge. “No kidding? I love salmon. Let me set the line again. Maybe we can get enough for dinner.”
Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2) Page 16